Promoter Sampson Lewkowicz wishes to congratulate Cesar Mercedes of Dominican Republic-based Manguita Promotions, for managing his first world champion and also sends thanks to Doug Loughrey, Director of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN, now that featherweight Javier "El Abejon" Fortuna (21-0, 15 KOs) is the interim WBA Featherweight Champion.

Fighting on the Pacquiao/Marquez IV undercard, Fortuna defeated New York, via Ireland's Patrick Hyland by scores of 118-110, 116-112, and 115-113 to win the world title belt.

"I know what a thrill it is to be the manager of a world champion and I want to say that it couldn't have happened to a better person," said Lewkowicz. "Cesar and I have always believed in Javier and now the world sees how right we were. He will go on now to have a wonderful career and he is just the first of many Dominican boxers who will someday win a title under Cesar Mercedes and Sampson Boxing."

Meanwhile, Lewkowicz also sends his sincere thanks to Doug Loughrey, Director of Programming and Acquisitions at ESPN, for his and his network's role in the development of Fortuna into a world champion.

"Doug Loughrey and ESPN have been instrumental in making Javier a well-known boxer. Without his willingness to repeatedly showcase Javier, he would not have risen to the level he is now at. We are forever grateful for this to Doug Loughrey and everyone at ESPN."

Lewkowicz says there are many potentially lucrative fights to be made for Fortuna, but for now it is time to celebrate. "Cesar Mercedes and I will sit down and map a course for Javier, but right now we are celebrating his landmark victory."